Thermal Divider Assembly for High-Temperature Surface Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measurement technologies face challenges when measuring high surface temperatures, as sensor units can be damaged by extreme heat, and wireless data transmission units are sensitive to high temperatures, reducing their service life and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A thermal divider arrangement using a first thermally conductive component to connect the sensor unit to the surface and a second thermally conductive component to connect it to a reference point, allowing the measurement of higher temperatures than the sensor unit's design limit by maintaining a stable temperature between 20% and 70% of the surface temperature, thereby extending the measurement range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor unit is directly exposed to high surface temperatures to enable accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the reliability of the sensor deteriorates due to damage risk and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor unit reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermally conductive component as an intermediary between the high-temperature surface and the sensor unit. This mediator transfers heat from the surface to the sensor while maintaining the sensor at a safe operating temperature, enabling accurate measurement without direct exposure to damaging high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data transmission units and energy storage devices are integrated into the sensor unit for high-voltage systems, then adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to reduced lifespan at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor unit adaptabilityVSAvoidelectrical component reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally conductive component serves as a thermal mediator that protects not only the temperature sensor but also the integrated wireless data transmission unit and energy storage device from high temperatures. This enables the electrical components to operate reliably while the sensor measures high surface temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces wired data transmission with wireless data transmission to eliminate the need for physical connections in high-voltage environments. This substitution enables operation in electrically hazardous conditions while the thermal mediator protects the wireless components from thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the sensor unit is protected from high temperatures to maintain reliability, then the sensor lifespan is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature gradient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor unit lifespanVSAvoidsurface temperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally conductive component acts as a heat transfer mediator with optimized thermal properties. It conducts heat efficiently from the high-temperature surface to the sensor unit while maintaining a temperature gradient that protects the sensor, achieving both protection and accurate measurement through proper material selection and geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables accurate temperature determination of high surface temperatures beyond the sensor unit's original range, protecting the sensor from damage and maintaining measurement precision, while allowing for wireless data transmission in high-voltage systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first thermally conductive component (12) which (thermally) connects the first sensor unit (15) to the surface (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a second thermally conductive component (18) which (thermally) connects the first sensor unit (15) to a reference point (21) spaced apart from the surface (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3850319B1Assembly for determining the temperature of a surface
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3850319B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3850319B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3850319B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for determining the temperature (ϑO) of a surface (3), comprising a first sensor unit (15), which has a first temperature sensor (803). Furthermore, the assembly comprises a first thermally conductive component (12), which connects the first sensor unit (15) to the surface (3), and a second thermally conductive component (18), which connects the first sensor unit (15) to a reference point (21) spaced apart from the surface.